Magic Notebook vs Ulysses: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Magic Notebook and Ulysses comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Magic Notebook is our overall pick for writing & content workflows. Pick Ulysses if you need writing apps.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Magic Notebook
A calm, distraction-free writing app for notes, articles, and documents, working directly with local files.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need writing & content features specifically
- • Provides a clean, distraction-free interface for focused writing.
- • Works directly with local files (DOCX, Markdown, TXT) without cloud services or sign-ups.
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Best for you if:
- • You need writing apps features specifically
- • Distraction-free writing environment with powerful project management.
- • Built-in grammar and style checker for over 20 languages.
| At a Glance |  Magic Notebook |  Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5.99/monthSubscription |
Best For | Writing & Content | Writing Apps |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Magic Notebook or Ulysses?
Choose Magic Notebook if
A calm, distraction-free writing app for notes, articles, and documents, working directly with local files.
- Extremely simple and clean interface, ideal for focused writing
- No sign-up, setup, or cloud services required, ensuring privacy and local control
- Directly edits common file types (DOCX, Markdown, TXT) on your computer
- You want a fully free tool (Ulysses requires payment)
- Your work is writing & content-shaped, not writing apps-shaped
Choose Ulysses if
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
- Great for writers
- Clean writing environment
- Good publishing features
- Your work is writing apps-shaped, not writing & content-shaped
| Feature | Magic Notebook | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 12 reviews |
| Categories | Writing & ContentNote-Taking | Writing AppsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Magic Notebook
A calm, distraction-free writing app for notes, articles, and documents, working directly with local files.
Strengths
- +Extremely simple and clean interface, ideal for focused writing
- +No sign-up, setup, or cloud services required, ensuring privacy and local control
- +Directly edits common file types (DOCX, Markdown, TXT) on your computer
- +Free to download and use
- +Autosave prevents loss of work
Weaknesses
- -Currently lacks advanced features like AI writing, tags, or collaboration (planned for future)
- -Windows version is not yet available (coming soon)
Key features
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Strengths
- +Great for writers
- +Clean writing environment
- +Good publishing features
- +Apple native
- +Markdown support
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Subscription model
- -Expensive
- -No collaboration
- -Overkill for notes
Key features
Pricing: Magic Notebook vs Ulysses
| Plan | Magic Notebook | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $5.99 month Subscription |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $49.99 year Annual |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Magic Notebook pricing and Ulysses pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Magic Notebook is free. Ulysses is paid.
Go with: Magic Notebook
Want the highest-rated option?
Ulysses is rated 4.7/5. Magic Notebook has no ratings yet.
Go with: Ulysses
Value user reviews?
Magic Notebook: no ratings yet. Ulysses: 12 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Ulysses
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Magic Notebook is free. Ulysses is paid. Go with Magic Notebook if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Magic Notebook is a writing & content tool. Ulysses is in writing apps. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Ulysses is rated 4.7/5; Magic Notebook has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Magic Notebook
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Ulysses
- Better fit for writing apps
The Bottom Line
Magic Notebook is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magic Notebook or Ulysses better?
Magic Notebook is rated in our evaluation. Magic Notebook is free and Ulysses is paid.
What are Magic Notebook and Ulysses used for?
Magic Notebook: A calm, distraction-free writing app for notes, articles, and documents, working directly with local files.. Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience..
What does Magic Notebook cost vs Ulysses?
Magic Notebook is completely free. Ulysses is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.